Joy In Contentment

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again  you renewed your care for me.  You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him  who strengthens me.  Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

And you Philippians  know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia,  no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need  several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit, that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full,  and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied,  having received from Epaphroditus  what you provided — a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father  be glory forever and ever.  Amen. 

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s  household.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Philippians 4: 10-23 CSB

COMPARISON KILLS CONTENTMENT

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else …  Galatians 6:3-4

 COMPARISON LEAVES US PRIDEFUL.

“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’” Luke 18:11-12

 “We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better looking than others. If everyone else became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking, there would be nothing to be proud about.” — C.S. Lewis

 COMPARISON LEAVES US JEALOUS.

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NLT

WE RESENT GOD’S GOODNESS IN OTHERS’ LIVES AND IGNORE GOD’S BLESSING IN OUR OWN LIVES!

HOW DO WE LIVE WITHOUT COMPARING?

•  RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU HAVE.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

•  ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV